Beloved Discworld author Sir Terry Pratchett was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2007, and he's battling it with the aid of fringe science. Let's hope he succeeds.

Pratchett has been experimenting with a helmet, designed by Dr. Gordon Dougal, which directs brief bursts of infrared light into the brain. Infrared light is thought to stimulate cell growth in tissues, and encourage them to repair themselves. Dougal believes the helmet can reverse symptoms of dementia, including memory loss as well as anxiety, within four weeks.

Pratchett used the helmet daily for about three months, and noticed a slight improvement in his faculties, according to his agent and Dr. Dougal. To ensure the helmet fit properly, a friend of Sir Terry's created a cast of his head. And then the helmet was clamped to the back of a chair at his cottage home. [Daily Mail]